Bentley's need for speed

Bentley has displayed its motorsport concept - the Continental GT3 - and a pair of new road-going Continentals on its Paris Motor Show stand.

With a low-to-the-ground race-spec aerodynamic package including what could be described as a sizeable rear wing, the Continental GT3 is just a concept for now, but signals Bentley's "intention to return to motorsport" towards the end of next year.

Meanwhile, the Continental GT Speed - reportedly the fastest Bentley ever produced - has been officially launched, developing 616bhp with 800Nm of torque.

With a top speed of 205mph and 0-60 dispensed within 4.0 seconds, the Continental GT Speed certainly earns its moniker.

It comes complete with Bentley's brand new eight-speed gearbox which, combined with some tweaked engine software, has shaved 10 per cent off the fuel consumption across the range.

Also on show is the V8 version of the Continental GT Convertible - powered by a 4.0-litre twin turbo engine that's already proved popular in the standard Continental.